Chapter 12: Chapter 12: Turbulence and Takeoff
Fortunately, the issues didn't drag on, allowing Katon to keep his scheduled return to Indonesia. Brian Thomas Davis, the owner of Brooklyn Blend, agreed to withdraw his report after receiving compensation from Katon. It was clear his police report stemmed from mistrust based on Katon and Morgan's initial appearance.
As for the damage to his apartment, Katon entrusted everything to Sergeant Terence Monahan while he returned to Indonesia.
"Your phone must be reachable 24/7 while in Indonesia, Sir," Sergeant Terence said during Katon and Morgan's final visit to the NYPD to finalize their report.
"Of course, Sergeant Monahan. I'm available 24 hours," Katon replied firmly, extending his hand for a handshake. A sign he wouldn't waste another moment in the NYPD office.
Katon and Morgan left the NYPD, heading straight to John F. Kennedy International Airport in Jamaica, Queens, New York City. They were boarding a 10:40 AM flight to Cengkareng, Jakarta.
"You're not bringing much, Morg?" Katon asked, glancing at Morgan's 45-liter rucksack, as if he were ready to climb Mount Everest. Their destination was Jakarta, with Mount Everest as a distant goal.
"We wear the same size. Why bring clothes when I can use yours?" Morgan retorted casually.
"Fuck off!" Katon muttered, sharp but low. Morgan chuckled.
"Hey! At least I'm not borrowing your underwear, right?!"
Katon shot him a dark look, and Morgan turned away, whistling nonchalantly. His whistle grew louder as he spotted a bright yellow taxi with its rooftop light on, signaling it was empty. Morgan hailed the taxi, Katon trailing behind.
"Come on, Mr. Collins. We'll have fun in Jakarta. Wipe that scary frown off your face," Morgan chirped, opening the taxi door for Katon.
The taxi glided smoothly after Morgan stated their destination. The drive to the airport took only 17 minutes.
On a bright New York morning, thousands thronged JFK International Airport, passengers embarking on air journeys. Katon and Morgan blended into the crowd, heading to the airline check-in.
Check-in was seamless, each carrying only one bag. Morgan had his large rucksack, Katon a regular backpack. They opted for checked baggage, freeing themselves from carrying anything onboard.
"No souvenirs for your family?" Morgan asked after passing through security.
"They can get whatever they want without me bringing it, Morg," Katon replied dismissively.
"Cheap or stingy?" Morgan teased. Katon snorted.
They didn't wait long before boarding was announced. Katon and Morgan walked down the jet bridge. A flight attendant checked passengers' documents at the door. Katon scanned her repeatedly in line.
"Yeah, she's hot. Take it easy, man," Morgan whispered, leaning towards Katon.
"What? You want her too?"
"Nah. I value my face." Katon chuckled. Their line shortened, and the flight attendant met Katon's gaze, smiling sweetly.
"Bet you'll get her number an hour into the flight," Morgan murmured. The Asian-American man stepped back slightly to avoid Morgan's lips touching his ear.
"Bet you're trying to jinx me. Back off, Morg. We look like a gay couple," Katon hissed. Morgan laughed, striding forward.
"Morgan Maxwell, Miss. Oh, sorry. You're not interested, are you?" Morgan said, handing over his ticket and documents. The flight attendant smiled, accepting them.
"Mr. Maxwell, please." She returned his documents. The big man stepped aside for Katon. His documents, ticket, boarding pass, insurance, and passport were almost accepted when Katon dropped his passport at the flight attendant's feet.
"Oops. Sorry, Miss," Katon said, bending to pick it up. The flight attendant did the same. They leaned down together, their bodies close. Katon caught a whiff of her perfume: a blend of rose, jasmine, ylang-ylang, iris, and amber. Elegant, luxurious, and classy. Katon glimpsed her chest through her uniform collar, smooth white skin peeking through the buttons. Their hands brushed as they reached for the passport, and Katon felt her soft skin. He looked up, their eyes meeting, and she blushed.
Katon stood tall, retrieving the documents faster than Stella. He handed them over with a charming smile. Morgan snorted, knowing Katon's tactics.
"Mr. Tenan, is that right? Welcome aboard," the flight attendant said, checking Katon's documents, smiling up at him.
"Correct, Miss Martin. Thank you." He saw her name tag.
"Please, call me Stella."
"Great. Then call me Katon."
Morgan rolled his eyes at their flirtation. Stella blushed.
The two tall men walked down the jet bridge, chatting and laughing. At the plane's door, a flight attendant directed passengers to their cabin sections. Katon and Morgan headed to economy. Occasionally, Katon traveled incognito, blending in.
They sat side by side in the middle of the cabin, not minding the close quarters, though they could afford first class.
The plane soared over the Atlantic, passengers enjoying in-flight entertainment. The JFK-New York to CGK-Indonesia flight was 29 hours and 21 minutes, with two layovers in Boston and Doha. Passengers received entertainment and one meal.
The seatbelt sign turned off, signaling safe flight. Passengers moved freely, though most stayed seated, enjoying the entertainment. Flight attendants began offering lunch menus.
"Good day, Katon and Mr. Maxwell," Stella greeted sweetly. Katon smiled, while Maxwell gaped. Amazing she remembered them among hundreds of passengers. And remembered to call Katon by his first name, and Morgan by his last. Morgan felt like Katon's dad. Katon had a baby face! Damn it!
"Any lunch menu I can offer?" Stella continued.
"Just the regular menu, Stella. We wouldn't trouble a beautiful lady," Katon said, making Morgan cough awkwardly. The passenger next to Katon lowered his newspaper, staring, then looked away. Okay, the charmer was handsome.
"Alright, I'll bring it soon. Please wait," Stella said, moving to other passengers.
"So? She'll slip you her number under the plate?" Morgan whispered. Katon remained silent.
"Ridiculous, Morg."
"Yes, or no?"
"Looks like it."
"Wow, you sly dog!"
Katon chuckled.
Thirty minutes later, the crew distributed lunch. Katon reached for the meal box Stella offered. "Oh, no. This is for Mr. Maxwell. This is yours, Katon."
"Thanks, Stella." Katon winked. Morgan scowled. When Stella moved away, they peeked under Katon's meal box. Stella Martin's phone number. They high-fived silently.
After lunch, passengers settled down, resting or enjoying entertainment. Some used their gadgets.
The plane cruised through the sky, amidst soft white clouds. Katon stood, walking down the aisle to the mid-cabin restroom. He scanned the cabin, noticing a man acting suspiciously, fidgeting. Katon tilted his head, "Is he sick?"
Katon shrugged it off, entering the restroom. Returning to his seat, a muffled scream echoed from the crew area separating business and economy classes.
"Don't resist! Do as I say!" A panicked voice shattered the peace. Passengers turned, gasping with Katon.
A psychopathic-looking man held a senior flight attendant hostage, blood flowing from a wound on her arm, creating a chilling tension.
"Hijacking?!" Katon whispered, alarmed.